ALUMA-HYDE® II Reviews & Ratings
Reviews Summary
Aluma-Hyde® II garners mixed feedback, with many users appreciating its cost-effectiveness and ease of application, while others encounter issues with nozzle clogging and inconsistent color matching, particularly with the FDE variants. Durability after curing is generally praised, though some users report chipping and flaking over time. Overall, users recommend proper prep and caution for the best results.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Application Process
70%
Many reviewers emphasize the importance of following the application instructions precisely, including thorough cleaning and allowing adequate cure time. Users highlight that successful application often requires shaking the can extensively and avoiding excessive heat when curing.
Durability
65%
The durability of Aluma-Hyde® II is frequently mentioned, with many users noting it holds up well under regular use. However, some express disappointment when experiencing chipping or wear, especially in high-friction areas.
Color Match
60%
Color consistency is a significant concern. Several users report discrepancies between the color on the cap and the actual paint, particularly with variants like Coyote and FDE. Aluma-Hyde II is described as closer to Sage or light tan rather than the expected hues.
Nozzle and Clogging Issues
55%
Numerous reviews highlight issues with the spray nozzles clogging shortly after use, leading to spattering or inconsistent application. Users recommend purchasing extra nozzles as a precaution.
Value for Money
75%
Despite the mixed feedback, many users find Aluma-Hyde® II to be a cost-effective alternative to professional coatings like Cerakote. The majority feel that it delivers adequate performance for the price, especially for DIY projects.
Customer Photos & Videos
Going back to Dura coat
I was restoring an old gun and removed all the old bluing and rust. I used a really good brand of cleaner-degreaser. The paint puddled on the metal and glumped. I followed the instructions to a T. There was not, one smooth coat of paint on the barrel or receiver. I should have asked for a refund, but I bought it back some time ago, as I was working on other jobs that came in before this one. Dura coat is definitely my choice from now on. Yes, my shop is very well heated, so that was not the issue, plus I shook the death out of the can. I'm not a rookie!! very disapointed.
Bad Paint
Paint sprayed out in streams and is not usable. Old
trash
this is the third time using this product. I am a gunsmith with almost 30 years on the bench refinishing firearms. 3 out of 3 times following directions to the letter and all I get is black garbage out of the can ,sprays like undercoating instead of a firearm finish. I spray all current finishes and have excellent results. But everytime I give this canned tar a try all I get is a reprep job.
Why is Coyote Brown not even close
Let me begin by saying that there is accountability from my end to be had. One of the 2 photos depicting Coyote Brown is beside a magazine that it presumably painted and shows how light the color really is. I can accept that if I looked a bit harder, I should’ve know that this was not the product for me. Thats where my accountability ends. The primary photo that the site defaults to when searching up the color shows a can that is way darker. Perhaps the lighting was off when they took the two photos? More importantly, the default photo is *way* closer to the commonly expected color of what we all think when we imagine of coyote brown. A darker, vibrant orangish hue. AR-670-1 boots are coyote brown. The issued SOPMOD B5 stocks are coyote brown. Issued Marine gear is coyote brown. They may not all be the same shade, but they are all characterized by those same 3 things I listed. Brownells seems to think that a khaki that is just another attempt at trying to get Magpul’s FDE is coyote brown. Why did you guys do this. Why did you make yet another khaki color. Coyote brown is not khaki. FDE is khaki. Why were the two cans listed on the photos taken in such different lighting? Do better
Alumahyde terrible results !
I have used many finishing products in my career and found the Alumahyde to be the worst ever. The spray splattered and ruined my project. I'm going to have to bead blast it off. Yes I followed the directions exactly.
Came Out Dry and Too Much Overspray
I previously used the Dark Earth and Coyote colors and had great experiences with the application and durability. However, I purchased the OD Green color recently and it was a horrible experience. After shaking the can for 15 minutes I tested the spray on my cardboard backdrop and it was a lot of dry spray (where there is too much air and not enough paint).
I started to apply the finish to the three PMAGS that I wanted to cover and the finish was way too thin. Even after shaking the can every 30 seconds to continue to mix the paint it still was way too much dry spray. After about five minutes the can was almost empty and the mags were barely coated. For comparison, the Dark Earth AH2 can that I used months ago has covered about a dozen magazines and is still about half full. I still have enough to use it on future products.
The final icing on my horrible experience cake was that as I looked down I was completely covered with dry OD Green dust and so was the plastic drop that I covered my garage floor with. But whatever was not covered by plastic was now covered in this OD Green film. So I'm just hoping to get my money back for this one can because the other cans I have have worked fine and continue to cover a lot of work pieces.
Not A Smoothy
I purchased this product to apply a finish to the aluminum frame of my Colt Buntline pistol. I followed the instructions on the can completely. When I started to apply the paint the spray started with a study stream of paint, not a spray. Luckily i was pointing the nozzle into the air and not to the pistol frame. When the spray started I aimed it to the frame. Once the paint was applied the finish looked like it was bubbly. What a disappointment. I removed the Paint and threw the can in the trash. I am still looking for a good paint that will give me the desired finish I need.
Trash
Absolute garbage. Sprayed out chunks so now I have this ridiculous texture on my handguard. Followed all the directions to the letter and this is the result I get. I should’ve listened to other reviews claiming the same. Don’t waste money on this garbage
Got a Defective Can
80deg weather and I shook the can for 5+ minutes while the part was heating in the oven. First couple of sprays were fine then nothing but chunks and globs came out. Totally botched job, and this stuff was terrible to clean off the part. A lot of materials and a night's worth of work wasted.
Garbage product
Won’t come out of the can as advertised. Comes out as a thick gunk that is utterly unusable. Sprays fine at first then will unexpectedly blow a load of bits out on whatever you are painting ruining the finish you were hoping for. You’re better off with good old rustoleum matte finish spray paint that actually sprays.


